SpED - Occupational Therapist

SpED - Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist plans and provides therapeutic support to improve a student's ability to participate in desired daily school activities or "occupations." Occupational Therapists help children to fulfill their role as students by supporting their academic achievement and promoting positive behaviors necessary for learning, supporting academic and non-academic outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Master's, Doctorate, or Bachelor's (Grandfathered) degree in occupational therapy
• Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (TBCOTE) and certification with the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• Valid Texas Driver's License (due to traveling between campuses)
• Knowledge of school based occupational therapy activities and equipment used in occupational therapy
• Knowledge of child development
• Knowledge of sensory integration, motor development, and functional performance in educational settings
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Effective communication with staff, students, and families
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to problem solve and adapt interventions based on student and classroom needs
• Six months of experience as an occupational therapist preferred, or a new graduate with Level II school-based fieldwork experience.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine students needs in areas such as fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing/regulation, visual motor, self-care, executive functioning, assistive technology needs, and functional school-related tasks.
• Plan and provide direct, consultative and integrated services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students' Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Evaluate and document student session progress, make recommendations, and take data regarding occupational therapy services.
• Design, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote functional independence.
• Present staff development in assigned school as requested.
• Conduct one-on-one consultation with teachers, parents, and others to assist with selection and use of adaptive equipment and material that will enhance student learning.
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student.
• Administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with the interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to district procedures.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and implement changes based on the findings.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records and other documents required.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Adhere to ethical standards set by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
• Maintain continuing education requirements for licensure.
• Supervise the work of the occupational therapy assistant, if COTA shares occupational therapists workload.
• Supervise and mentor graduate level occupational therapy students completing fieldwork placements by modeling best practices, providing structured feedback, and ensuring adherence to professional, ethical, and district standards in alignment with the AOTA and university requirements.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
• Posture: Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, ability to sit, stand, kneel, bend, and move frequently throughout the day
• Lifting: Ability to left and transfer, assisting students with mobility needs, regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress prolonged and irregular hours. Work with frequent interruptions
• Other: Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures; Other duties as assigned.